The Supporting Student Sensemaking with Equitable Discourse module is intended to provide guidance in the successful implementation of equitable academic discourse, supporting the three-dimensional student learning called for in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science. This module contains materials to be used in professional learning sessions at the district, school or department level.  

Supporting Student Sensemaking with Equitable Discourse utilizes an open educational resource to provide participants with a learning experience symmetrical to the classroom. Through that experience, the participants are immersed in equitable academic discourse to see what it looks, sounds and feels like as a learner. This module is divided into five sessions. Within each session, participants are encouraged to plan their next steps for implementing equitable academic discourse.   

The goals of module are to:  

• Establish a learning environment where all students have equitable access and opportunity to learn through discourse;  

• Develop a collaborative understanding of equitable academic discourse that supports student sensemaking;  

• Explore how both teachers and students contribute to equitable academic discourse;  

• Examine why we should use equitable academic discourse in the science classroom; and  

• Intentionally plan for equitable academic discourse.  

A facilitator’s guide, PowerPoint presentation, participant packet and module-at-a-glance are all available on the Science Professional Learning Modules webpage.  

Please submit any questions about this professional learning module to kdescience@education.ky.gov.